Natural Wonders of Costa Rica with the Panama Canal

Day 1 - San Jose

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Park Inn by Radisson, San Jose (4-star)

Day 2 - San Jose

This morning we’ll take on this cosmopolitan city on a guided tour. We’ll explore both business and residential neighbourhoods, so you’ll get a real insight into the diverse and beautiful architecture that decorates the city. We’ll admire colonial mansions, many of which have now been converted into trendy museums and galleries. We’ll also see the bright yellow turrets of Bellavista fortress - the bullet marks a reminder of Costa Rica’s past, but today it is the home of the National Museum. Right in the city centre, we’ll visit the beautiful National Theatre. You might think it looks familiar - and if you’ve visited Paris, it may well be. Completed in 1897, the theatre is modelled after the Paris Opera House.

Park Inn by Radisson, San Jose (4-star)

Day 3 - Tortuguero

Today’s journey is a scenic feast and an adventure in itself. We’ll drive through the cloud-enshrouded landscapes of Braulio Carrillo National Park all the way to Tortuguero. We’ll pass volcanic mountains, travel through untouched tropical rainforest and drive by sprawling banana plantations. Before you’ve had the chance to catch your breath, we take to the waters of the Tortuguero Canals and as we weave through these sinuous canals, we’ll pass by rare and unusual flora and fauna. Finally, we arrive at our eco-lodge hotel; nestled in an area of rivers, lakes, wetlands and lush, exotic jungle. Later, we’ll head out to explore Tortuguero village and visit the Turtle Preservation Centre. Turtle nesting season is usually July to October and they hatch from September to December, so we may catch a glimpse if we’re lucky.

Laguna Lodge, Tortuguero (3-star)

Day 4 - Tortuguero National Park

We waste no time in exploring the breathtaking paradise of the Tortuguero Canals. With its unique system of natural and man-made waterways this is a haven for a wide variety of birds, monkeys, sloths and toucans along with a dazzling array of orchids. The afternoon is yours to spend as you please; perhaps relax in the unique location of our eco-lodge, or head out on a guided walk for even more exciting discoveries.

Laguna Lodge, Tortuguero (3-star)

Day 5 - Arenal

This morning we leave our lodge by boat, before continuing by coach through the plains of the San Carlos region, the heart of Costa Rica, thriving with agricultural and livestock smallholdings, to Arenal and its famous volcano.

The Tilajari Resort Hotel, Arenal (4-star)

Day 6 - Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge

Watch on as we whizz by local communities on the way to the pueblito (small village) of Los Chiles; gateway to the Rio Frio and the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. From here, our boat takes us on a floating safari through the tropical rainforest and pastures. The Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge is considered to be one of the richest in biological diversity in Costa Rica, so keep your eyes peeled for a variety of resident and migratory birds including roseate spoonbills, green-backed herons and wood storks, to name just a few. Plus, there are spider and howler monkeys, sloths, ocelots and more…

The Tilajari Resort Hotel, Arenal (4-star)

Day 7 - Monteverde

This morning we depart Arenal for Monteverde, located along the continental divide at 5,000 feet above sea level. We visit the Butterfly Gardens, to observe and learn about these beautiful winged insects, before free time to explore.

Monteverde Country Lodge (3-star)

Day 8 - Monteverde

Today is free to relax and explore this tropical haven, or take an optional excursion for an adventure into the cloud forest canopy. A Sky Walk of hanging bridges, trails and platforms above the forest floor, taking you to all the different layers of the forest for a great opportunity to see how the forest works.

Monteverde Country Lodge (3-star)

Day 9 - Cloud Forest - San Jose

This morning we venture through the Cloud Forest private reserve to witness the wide array of flora and fauna. This is one of the few places you may be able to glimpse a strikingly coloured quetzal. Then, leaving the magnificent cloud forest behind, we travel back to San Jose via the picturesque town of Sarchi, famous for its elaborately painted oxcarts.

Park Inn by Radisson, San Jose (4-star)

Day 10 - San Jose - Panama City

We travel to the airport this morning for our flight (which may be indirect) to Panama and Panama City. On arrival we check in at our hotel for a three-night stay. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you please.

Gran Evenia Panama Hotel, Panama City (5-star)

Day 11 - Panama Canal

Started by the Spanish in 1534, the mighty Panama Canal was completed some 370 years later by the American Government in 1904. It is an engineering and economic marvel, offering travellers a unique and highly sought-after experience, cruising through the huge system of locks. We board our vessel for our cruise along a section of the canal. Massive ocean-going vessels will share the journey with us today and you’ll have the opportunity to view them up close as we progress through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel lock systems. We’ll also pass through the Gaillard Cut, one of the most spectacular parts of the entire length of the canal. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, you’ll spot native wildlife as we cruise by.

Gran Evenia Panama Hotel, Panama City (5-star)

Day 12 - Panama City

A world away from San Jose, Panama City is a cultural hub and bustling metropolis; it is the most cosmopolitan city in all of Central America. The canal has made the city a regional hub for trade and the result is a deliciously diverse and dynamic culture. This morning we dive in on a guided tour, taking in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Panama Viejo Historical Monument Complex, the Historic District, the Palace of the President and the cathedral. Our final stop is at the Causeway, which provides wonderful views of the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal.

Gran Evenia Panama Hotel, Panama City (5-star)

Day 13 - Panama City

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.

Panama City